Hunt for drug kingpin continues

While two drug offenders await sentencing, one of Lafourche Parish’s top cocaine distributors is now at large.

Robert Roussell, 30, 247 West 15th St., Larose, was present for jury selection last week but did not return to his own trial after he was released on bond. Continuing without his presence, Roussell was convicted for distribution of cocaine and Xanax and now faces a possible 30-year sentence.

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is searching for Roussell, whose record includes violation of probation, simple and second-degree battery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, hit-and-run as well as contempt of court.

Roussell is one of four drug offenders contributing to the parish’s growing drug culture for the last 10 years, caught by the Lafourche Drug Task Force and tried in 2006, according to LPSO spokesman Larry Weidel.

Juries are in the midst of sentencing for Juan Verrette, 40, 34 Tarpon Heights, Galliano, and Ricky Bruce, 39, 182 East 22nd St., Larose, while Jerome Miller, 33, 4835 West Main St., Houma, has been convicted and sentenced for drug-related offenses.

“The agents of our drug task force did an outstanding job along with the attorneys from the District Attorney’s Office,” said Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre via release. “It’s good to get these drug dealers off the streets and behind bars for a long time.”

With four total drug charges, Verrette, 40, was arrested in March 2003 and given five years of prison time. Potentially, he could face a life sentence as a habitual violator, charged in past for aggravated burglary, oral sexual battery, forcible rape and resisting arrest.

Tried and convicted for distribution of cocaine, Bruce may also serve a life sentence. His history is similar to that of Verrette, with multiple drug crimes in combination with several DUI’s and contempt of court charges, Webre noted.

Miller, 33, was arrested in Larose and convicted on counts of drug distribution, securing a 30-year prison term.

“Sometimes it takes several years before arrested drug dealers make it to court. The hard work of the agents pays off when they see these guys, that they risked their lives to arrest, go to prison,” said Webre.

Weidel said this week has been very busy for the task force.

“Those four were very active in the community for a number of years,” he said.

On Oct. 30, the task force made two additional drug arrests. Randy Cheramie, 23, 755 Second St., Lockport, was arrested under violation of parole and alleged possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Terry Lee Wheaton, 42, 645 St. Louis St., Raceland, was found in possession of a stolen vehicle. During the arrest officers also found cocaine and other drug paraphernalia, Weidel said.

The task force arrested Wheaton on West 14th Street, which is considered a high drug-trafficking area in Thibodaux.

Wheaton is a repeat drug-offender who has served both parish and state prison time. His history includes over 90 arrests dating back to 1982.